Compounds, compositions and methods for preventing neurodegeneration in acute and chronic injuries in the central nervous system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compositions and methods for prevention and prophylaxis of neurological diseases accompanied by neuronal death. The invention includes synthesis of 5-benzylamino salicylic acid (BAS) and its derivatives. BAS and its derivatives protect cortical neurons from toxic insults by N-methyl-D-aspartate, Zn 2+ , and reactive oxygen species. Thus, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases that are accompanied by severe neuronal loss via excitotoxicity, Zn 2+  neurotoxicity, and free radical neurotoxicity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/205,313 filed Aug. 17, 2005, now allowed; which application is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/206,772 filed Jul.29, 2002, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,402; and a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/206,765 filed Jul. 29, 2002, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,982; which application is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/557,001 filed Apr. 20, 2000, nowabandoned; all of which applications arc incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to novel salicylic compounds,compositions and method for prevention and prophylaxis of neurologicaldiseases accompanied by neuronal death.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Excitotoxicity and Brain Diseases

Excess activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors sensitive toN-methyl-D-asparatate (NMDA receptors) produces neuronal death and hasbeen known to mediate various neurological diseases [Choi, Neuron1:623-634 (1988)]. Glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter, ismassively accumulated in brain subjected to hypoxic-ischemic injuries,which activates ionotropic glutamate receptors permeable to Ca²⁺ and NA⁺and then causes neuronal death [Choi and Rothman, Annu Rev Neurosci13:171-182 (1990)]. Antagonists of NMDA receptors remarkably attenuatebrain injury following hypoglycemia, hypoxia, or hypoxic-ischemia[Simon, Swan, Griffiths, and Meldtrum. Science 226:850-852 (1984); Park,Nehls, Graham, Teasdale, and McCulloch, Ann Neurol 24:543-551 (1998).;Wieloch, Science 230:681-683 (1985); Kass, Chambers, and Cottrell, Exp.Neurol. 103:116-122 (1989); Weiss, Goldberg, and Choi, Brain Res.380:186-190 (1986)]. Thus, NMDA receptor antagonists possess therapeuticpotentials to protect brain against hypoglycemia, hypoxia, andhypoxic-ischemic injuries.

Excitotoxicity appears to contribute to neuronal degeneration followingtraumatic brain injury (TBI). Levels of quinolinic acid, an endogenousagonist of NMDA receptors, was increased 5- to 50-fold in human patientswith TBI [E. H. Sinz, P. M. Kochanek, M. P. Heyes, S. R. Wisniewski, M.J. Bell, R. S. Clark, S. T. DeKosky, A. R. Blight, and D. W. Marion].Quinolinic acid is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid and associatedwith mortality after TBI in humans [J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab.18:610-615, (1998)]. In animal models of brain trauma, levels ofglutamate and aspartate were markedly increased [Faden, Demediuk,Panter, and Vink, Science 244:798-800 (1989)]. Glutamate release wasalso observed in rat spinal cord following impact trauma [Demediuk,Daly, and Faden. J Neurochem J. Neurochem. 52 :1529-1536 (1989)]. NMDAreceptor antagonists attenuate neuronal death following traumatic brainor spinal cord injuries [Faden, Lemke, Simon, and Noble. J. Neurotrauma.5:33-45(1988); Okiyama, Smith, White, Richter, and McIntosh. J.Neurotrauma. 14:211-222 (1997)].

Glutamate plays a central role in the induction and the propagation ofseizures [Dingledine, McBain, and McNamara, Trends. Pharmacol. Sci.11:334-338 (1990); Holmes. Cleve. Clin. J. Med. 62:240-247 (1995)]. NMDAreceptor antagonists were shown to act as anticonvulsants andantiepileptogenic drugs in various models of epilepsy [Anderson,Swartzwelder, and Wilson, J. Neurophysiol. 57:1-21 (1987); Wong,Coulter, Choi, and Prince. Neurosci. Lett. 85:261-266 (1988); McNamara,Russell, Rigsbee, and Bonhaus, Neuropharmacology 27:563-568 (1988)].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is accompanied by degeneration ofboth upper and lower motor neurons and marked by neurogenic atrophy,weakness, and fasciculation. While the pathogenesis of ALS remains to beresolved, excitotoxicity has been expected to participate in the processof ALS. In particular, ALS patients show increased levels ofextracellular glutamate and defects in glutamate transport.Administration of excitotoxins mimicked pathological changes in thespinal cord of ALS patients [Rothstein. Clin. Neurosci. 3:348-359(1995); Ikonomidou, Qin, Labruyere, and Olney J. Neuropathol. Exp.Neurol. 55:211-224 (1996)].

Antagonizing NMDA receptors appears to be applied to treat Parkinson'sdisease (PD). Several antagonists of NMDA receptors protect dopaminergicneurons from the neurotoxin MPTP(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) [Lange, Loschmann, Sofic,Burg, Horowski, Kalveram, Wachtel, and Riederer. Naunyn SchmiedebergsArch. Pharmacol. 348:586-592 (1993); Brouillet and Beal. Neuroreport.4:387-390 (1993)]. NMDA receptor antagonists also amelioratelevodopa-induced dyskinesia and thus can improve the therapeutic effectsof levodopa [Papa and Chase, Ann. Neurol. 39:574-578 (1996); Marin,Papa, Engber, Bonastre, Tolosa, and Chase, Brain Res. 736:202-205(1996)]. Two NMDA receptor antagonists, memantine and dextromethophan,have been proved beneficial in treating PD patients [Verhagen, DelDotto, Natte, van den Munckhof, and Chase, Neurology 51:203-206 (1998);Merello, Nouzeilles, Cammarota, and Leiguarda. Clin. Neuropharmacol.22:273-276 (1999)].

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative diseasepredominantly affecting small- and medium-sized interneurons but sparingNADPH-diaphorase neurons containing somatostatin and neuropeptide in thestriata. These pathological features of HD are observed in the striataltissues following the intrastriatal injections of quinolinic acid orcultured striatal neurons exposed to NMDA, raising the possibility thatNMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity contributes to selective neuronaldeath in HD [Koh, Peters, and Choi, Science 234:73-76 (1986); Beal,Kowall, Ellison, Mazurek, Swartz, and Martin, Nature 321:168-171 (1986);Beal, Ferrante, Swartz, and Kowall. J. Neurosci. 11:1649-1659 (1991)].

Free Radicals and Brain Diseases

Free radicals are produced in degenerating brain areas followinghypoxic-ischemia or traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries [Hall andBraughler, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 6:303-313 (1989); Anderson and Hall,Ann. Emerg. Med. 22:987-992 (1993); Siesjo and Siesjo, Eur. J.Anaesthesiol. 13:247-268(1996); Love, Brain Pathol. 9:119-131 (1999)].Antioxidants or maneuvers scavenging free radicals attenuate braindamages by hypoxic-ischemia or traumatic injuries [Faden, Pharmacol.Toxicol. 78:12-17 (1996); Zeidman, Ling, Ducker, and Ellenbogen, J.Spinal. Disord. 9:367-380 (1996); Chan, Stroke 27:1124-1129 (1996);Hall, Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. 8:195-206 (1997)]. Extensive evidencesupports that free radicals can be produced in brain areas undergoingdegeneration in neurodegenerative diseases possibly due to pointmutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in ALS, decreased glutathioneand increased iron in PD, accumulation of iron in AD, or mitochondrialdysfunction in HD [Rosen, Siddique, Patterson, Figlewicz, Sapp, Hentati,Donaldson, Goto, O'Regan, and Deng. Nature 362:59-62 (1993); Jenner andOlanow, Neurology 47:S161-S170 (1996); Smith, Harris, Sayre, and Perry,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94:9866-9868 (1997); Browne, Ferrante, andBeal, Brain Pathol. 9:147-163 (1999)]. Accordingly, antioxidants havebeen neuroprotective against such neurodegenerative diseases [Jenner,Pathol. Biol. (Paris.) 44:57-64 (1996); Beal, Ann. Neurol. 38:357-366(1995); Prasad, Cole, and Kumar. J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 18:413-423 (1999);Eisen and Weber, Drugs Aging 14:173-196 (1999); Grundman, Am. J. Clin.Nutr. 71:630S.-636S (2000)].

Zinc and Brain Diseases

Zn²⁺ mediates neurodegenerative process observed in seizure, ischemia,trauma, and Alzheimers disease (AD). The central administration ofkainate, a seizure-inducing excitotoxin, causes the translocation ofZn²⁺ into postsynaptic degenerating neurons in several forebrain areas[Frederickson, Hernandez, and McGinty. Brain Res. 480:317-321 (1989)].Blockade of Zn²⁺ translocation with Ca-EDTA attenuates neuronal lossfollowing a transient forebrain ischemia or traumatic brain injury [Koh,Suh, Gwag, He, Hsu and Choi, Science 272: 1013-1016 (1996); Suh, Chen,Motamedi, Bell, Listiak, Pons, Danscher, and Frederickson, Brain Res.852 :268-273 (2000]. Zn²⁺ is observed in the extracellular plaque anddegenerating neurons in AD, which likely contributes to neuronaldegeneration in AD [Bush, Pettingell, Multhaup, Paradis, Vonsattel,Gusella, Beyreuther, Masters, and Tanzi, Science 265:1464-1467 (1994);Suh, Jensen, Jensen, Silva, Kesslak, Danscher, and Frederickson. BrainRes. 852:274-278 852 (2000)].

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel 5-benzylamino salicylic acid (BAS)and its derivatives represented by the following formula (I):

wherein,

-   X is CO, SO₂ or (CH₂)_(n) (where n is an integer of 1 to 5,    inclusive);-   R₁ is hydrogen, alkyl or alkanoyl;-   R₂ is hydrogen or alkyl;-   R₃ is hydrogen or an acetoxy group; and-   R₄ is phenyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted with one or    more of the group consisting of nitro, halogen, haloalkyl, and C₁-C₅    alkoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention also provides method for protecting centralneurons from acute or chronic injuries to central nervous system (CNS),comprising administering to a patient or a mammal suffering from suchCNS injuries a therapeutically appropriate amount of a neuroprotectivecompound represented by Formula (I).

The present invention still provides a composition for protectingcentral neurons from acute or chronic injuries to central nervous systemcomprising a neuroprotective compound represented by Formula (I) in atherapeutically appropriate amount.

The present invention still provides a method for treating or preventingneurological diseases linked to NMDA neurotoxocity, Zn²⁺ neurotoxicityor oxidative stress, comprising administering to a patient or a mammalsuffering from such diseases a therapeutically effective amount of thecompound represented by Formula (I).

The present invention more provides a use of the compound of Formula (I)in the manufacture of medicaments for protecting central neurons fromacute or chronic injuries to central nervous system (CNS).

The above and other features of the present invention will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of 5-amino salicylicacid (AS) against neuronal death induced by an excitotoxin NMDA (1 a), afree radical-producing agent Fe2+ (1 b) or Zn2+ (1 c) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 2 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of 5-benzylaminosalicylate (BAS) against neuronal death induced by NMDA (2 a), Fe2+ (2b), buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) (2 c) or Zn2+ (2 d) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 3 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBAS) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (3 a), Fe2+ (3 b) or Zn2+ (3 c) in cultured corticalcells.

FIG. 4 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-chlorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (CBAS) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (4 a), Fe2+ (4 b) or Zn2+ (4 c) in cultured corticalcells.

FIG. 5 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-Trifluoromethylbenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (TBAS) against neuronaldeath mediated by NMDA (5 a), Fe2+ (5 b) or Zn2+ (5 c) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 6 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-Fluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (FBAS) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (6 a) or Fe2+ (6 b) in cultured cortical cells.

FIG. 7 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (MBAS) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (7 a) or Fe2+ (7 b) in cultured cortical cells.

FIG. 8 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(pentafluorobenzyl)amino salicylic acid (PBAS) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (8 a), Fe2+ (8 b), BSO (8 c) or Zn2+ (8 d) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 9 is a result testing neuroprotective effects ofethyl-5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NAHE) againstneuronal death induced by NMDA (9 a) or Fe2+ (9 b) in cultured corticalcells.

FIG. 10 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NNAHE) againstneuronal death induced by NMDA (10 a) or Fe2+ (10 b) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 11 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate (NNAAE) againstneuronal death induced by NMDA (11 a) or Fe2+ (11 b) in culturedcortical cells.

FIG. 12 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-nitrobenzonyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBAA) against neuronal deathinduced by NMDA (12 a) or Fe2+ (12 b) in cultured cortical cells.

FIG. 13 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBSAA) against neuronaldeath induced by NMDA (13 a) or Fe2+ (13 b) in cultured cortical cells.

FIG. 14 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-ethyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPAA) against neuronaldeath induced by NMDA (14 a) or Fe2+ (14 b) in cultured cortical cells.

FIG. 15 is a result testing neuroprotective effects of5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPPAA) againstneuronal death induced by NMDA (15 a) or Fe2+ (15 b) in culturedcortical cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We have synthesized 5-benzylamino salicylic acid (BAS) and itsderivatives and demonstrated that these synthetic compounds havemultiple neuroprotective action. First, BAS and its derivativesattenuate NMDA neurotoxicity at doses of 100-1,000 uM. Second, BAS andits derivatives are antioxidants and block free radical neurotoxicity atdoses of 1-300 uM. Finally, BAS and its derivatives attenuate Zn²⁺neurotoxicity. These novel and multiple neuroprotective effects of BASand its derivatives are merited to treat stroke, traumatic brain andspinal cord injury, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases that areaccompanied by excitotoxicity, Zn² + neurotoxicity, and free radicalneurotoxicity.

The BAS and its derivatives may be synthesized from 5-aminosalicylicacid by reacting it with an appropriate compound. The following reactionschemes illustrate the synthesis of BAS and its derivatives.

A preferred class of compounds within Formula (1) comprises thosecompounds wherein X is CO, SO₂ or (CH₂)_(n) (where n is an integer of1-5, inclusive); R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₅ alkyl or C₂-C₅ alkanoyl; R₂ ishydrogen or C₁-C₅ alkyl; R₃ is hydrogen or an acetoxy group; and R₄ isphenyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted with one or moreselected from the group consisting of nitro, halogen, haloalkyl, andC₁-C₅ alkoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A more preferred class of compounds within Formula (1) encompasses thosecompounds wherein X is CO, SO₂ or (CH₂)_(n) (where n=1,2,3); R₁ ishydrogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl or C₂-C₃ alkanoyl; R₂ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl;R₃ is hydrogen or an acetoxy group; R₄ is phenyl group which isunsubstituted or substituted with one or more selected from the groupconsisting of nitro, halogen, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and C₁-C₃ alkoxy; or apharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Example 5

Specific compounds of interest within Formula (I) are as follows:

-   5-benzylaminosalicylic acid (BAS),-   5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBAS),-   (5-(4-chlorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (CBAS),-   (5-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (TBAS),-   (5-(4-fluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (FBAS),-   5-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (MBAS)-   5-(pentafluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (FBAS),-   5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NAHE),-   5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NNAHE),-   5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate (NNAAE),-   5-(4-nitrobenzoyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBAA),-   5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBSAA),-   5-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-ethyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPAA), and-   5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPPAA), or a    pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable salts” embraces salts commonlyused to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acidsor free bases. The nature of the salt is not critical, provided that itis pharmaceutically acceptable, and acids or bases which may be employedto form such salts are, of course, well known to those skilled in theart. Examples of acids which may be employed to form pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid addition salts include such inorganic acids ashydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid and such organicacids as maleic acid, succinic acid and citric acid. Other salts includesalts with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, such as sodium,potassium, calcium and magnesium, or with organic bases, such asdicyclohexylamine. All of these salts may be prepared by conventionalmeans from the corresponding compound of Formula (I) by reacting, forexample, the appropriate acid or base with the compound of Formula (I).

The Synthesis Examples show the exemplary method for the preparation ofthe representative compounds (I).

Synthesis Example 1 Preparation of 5-benzylaminosalicylic acid (BAS)

To a solution of 5-aminosalicylic acid (2.0 g, 13 mmole, purchased fromAldrich Chemical Company, USA) and triethylamine in dried DMF (25 ml)was added benzyl bromide (2.68 g, 1.90 ml, 15.6 mmole) at roomtemperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasstirred for 4 hr at room temperature. Ice chips were added to thereaction mixture and then solvent was removed in vacuo. The reactionmixture was diluted with water and then extracted with ethyl acetate.The organic layer was washed with water and brine, and then dried overanhydrous MgSO₄. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue waspurified by column chromatography and recrystallized from methanol/ethylacetate/hexane (1:3:1) to give 3.6 g (73% yield) of 5-benzylaminosalylicacid as a white solid.: mp 173.5-174.5° C. (decompose).

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₃N0₃.

% C % H % N Calculated 69.12 5.39 5.76 Found 69.30 5.18 5.63

Synthesis Example 2 Preparation of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid(NBAS)

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (2.00 g, 13.0 mmole) and 4-nitrobenzyl bromide(3.38 g, 15.6 mmole), 2.90 g (79% yield) of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a pale yellowsolid.: mp 211-212° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₃N₂O₅.

% C % H % N Calculated 58.33 4.20 9.72 Found 58.38 4.21 9.71

Synthesis Example 3 Preparation of 5-(4-chlorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid(CBAS)

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-chlorobenzyl chloride(630 mg, 3.91 mmole), 480 mg (53% yield) of5-(4-chlorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a white solid.: mp227-228° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₂ClNO₃.

% C % H % N Calculated 60.55 4.36 5.04 Found 60.43 4.21 5.02

Synthesis Example 4 Preparation of5-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (TBAS)

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylchloride (760 mg, 3.92 mmole), 310 mg (50% yield) of5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a whitesolid.: mp>188° C. (decompose).

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₂F₃NO₃.

% C % H % N Calculated 57.88 3.89 4.50 Found 57.61 3.98 4.44

Synthesis Example 5 Preparation of 5-(4-fluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid(FBAS)

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-fluorobenzyl bromide(740 mg, 3.92 mmole), 480 mg (44% yield) of5-(4-fluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a white solid.:mp>210° C. (decompose).

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₂FNO₃.

% C % H % N Calculated 64.36 4.63 5.36 Found 64.10 4.42 5.07

Synthesis Example 6 Preparation of 5-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminosalicylicacid (MBAS)

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (1.00 g, 6.53 mmole) and 4-methoxybenzyl chloride(1.23 g, 7.84 mmole), 890 mg (50% yield) of5-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a white solid.:mp 205-206° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₅H₁₅NO₄.

% C % H % N Calculated 65.92 5.53 5.13 Found 65.83 5.45 5.07

Synthesis Example 7 Preparation of 5-(pentafluorobenzyl)aminosalicylicacid

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and pentafluorobenzyl bromide(1.02 g, 3.92 mmole), 650 mg (60% yield) of5-(pentafluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a white solid.:mp>190° C. (decompose).

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₈F₅NO₃.

% C % H % N Calculated 50.46 2.42 4.20 Found 50.53 2.19 4.23

Synthesis Example 8 Preparation of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxyethylbenzoate

To a solution of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (1.0 g, 3.4 mmole)in ethanol (35 ml) was carefully added Conc.H₂SO₄ (3.5 ml) at 0° C. Thereaction mixture was stirred for 6 hr at 80° C. and cooled to roomtemperature. After the solvent was removed in vacuo, the reactionmixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washedwith H₂O, 10% NaHCO₃ solution, 5% HCl solution and brine. After theorganic layer was dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, it was concentrated invacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography andrecrystalized from ethyl acetate/hexane (1:2) to give 500 mg (46% yield)of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate as a yellow solid.: mp106.5-107.5° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₅.

% C % H % N Calculated 60.75 5.10 8.86 Found 60.68 5.24 9.04

Synthesis Example 9 Preparation of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate

To a solution of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (500 mg,1.58 mmole) in dried methanol (50 ml) was carefully added aceticanhydride (5 ml) at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reactionmixture was stirred for 2 hr at 10° C. After ice chips were slowly addedto the reaction mixture, the solvent was removed in vacuo. The reactionmixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and H₂O, and the organic layerwas washed with H₂O, 10% NaHCO₃ (30 ml×3) solution, 5% HCl (30 ml×2)solution and brine. The organic solution was dried over anhydrous MgSO₄and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography andrecrystalized from ethyl acetate/hexane (1:3) to give 400 mg (70% yield)of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate as a paleyellow solid.: mp 105.5-106.0° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₈H₁₈N₂O₆.

% C % H % N Calculated 60.33 5.06 7.82 Found 60.54 5.35 8.12

Synthesis Example 10 Preparation of5-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate

To a solution of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (500 mg,1.58 mmole) in acetic anhydride (10 ml) was carefully added conc.H₂SO₄(0.5 ml) at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasstirred for 30 min at 10° C. After ice chips were slowly added to thereaction mixture, the solvent was removed in vacuo. The reaction mixturewas diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organiclayer was washed H₂O, 10% NaHCO₃ (30 ml×3) solution, 5% HCl (30 ml×2)solution and brine and then dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Afterevaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by columnchromatography to give 450 mg (71% yield) of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate as pale yellowoil.

Elemental analysis for C₂₀H₂₀N₂O₇.

% C % H % N Calculated 60.00 5.03 7.00 Found 59.96 4.84 7.15

Synthesis Example 11 Preparation of 5-(4-nitrobenzoyl)aminosalicylicacid

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride(700 mg, 3.77 mmole), 550 mg (56% yield) of5-(4-nitrobenzoyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a pale yellowsolid.: mp 270-271° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₆.

% C % H % N Calculated 55.63 3.33 9.27 Found 55.82 3.43 9.08

Synthesis Example 12 Preparation of5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylic acid

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-nitrobenzenesulsonylchloride (720 mg, 3.26 mmole), 390 mg (35% yield) of5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a yellowsolid.: mp 239-240° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₇S.

% C % H % N % S Calculated 46.15 2.98 8.28 9.48 Found 46.27 2.92 8.349.51

Synthesis Example 13 Preparation of5-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]aminosalicylic acid

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 4-nitrophenethyl bromide(900 mg, 3.92 mmole), 890 mg (50% yield) of5-(4-nitrophenethyl)aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a pale yellowsolid.: mp 234-236 0 C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₅.

% C % H % N Calculated 59.60 4.67 9.27 Found 59.77 4.79 9.24

Synthesis Example 14 Preparation of5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid

By following the similar procedure in Synthesis Example 1 by using5-aminosalicylic acid (500 mg, 3.26 mmole) and 3-(4-nitrophenyl)propylbromide (950 mg, 3.92 mmole), 520 mg (50% yield) of5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid was obtained as a paleyellow solid.: mp 229-231° C.

Elemental analysis for C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₅.

% C % H % N Calculated 60.75 5.10 8.86 Found 60.77 5.07 8.89

Experimental Example

Primary cortical cell cultures from embryonic mice were prepared andused to examine neuroprotective action of compounds. Mouse cortical cellculture system has been extensively used to study mechanisms andpharmacological intervention of neuronal death in neurological diseases.In brief, mouse cerebral cortices were removed from brains of the 15day-old-fetal mice, in accordance with a protocol approved by ourinstitutional animal care committee. The neocortices were gentlytriturated and plated on 24 well plates (5 hemispheres/plate) precoatedwith 100 μg/ml poly-D-lysine and 4 μg/ml laminine. Plating media consistof Eagles minimal essential media (MEM, Earles salts, suppliedglutamine-free) supplemented with 5% horse serum, 5% fetal bovine serum,2 mM glutamine, and 21 mM glucose. Cultures were maintained at 37° C. ina humidified 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After 7 days in vitro (DIV 7), cultureswere shifted into a growth medium identical to the plating medium butlacking fetal serum. At DIV 7-9, 10 mM cytosine arabinofuranoside wasincluded to halt overgrowth of glia. Mixed cultures of neurons and gliawere then fed twice a week.

To induce neuronal injury by NMDA or Zn²⁺, cortical cell cultures wereexposed to toxic doses of NMDA for 10 min or Zn²⁺ for 30 min in aHEPES-buffered control salt solution (HCSS): (in mM) 120 NaCl, 5KCl, 1.6MgCl₂, 2.3 CaCl₂, 15 glucose, 20 HEPES and 10 NaOH. After exposure,cultures were washed out 3 times and exchanged with MEM adjusted to 25mM glucose and 26.2 mM sodium bicarbonate, and placed in the CO₂incubator for the next 20-24 hr. To induce free radical neurotoxicity,cortical cell cultures were continuously exposed to Fe²⁺ or buthioninesulfoximine (BSO) for 20-24 hr, in MEM adjusted to 25 mM glucose and26.2 mM sodium bicarbonate.

Overall cell injury was assessed microscopically under phase-contrastoptics or by measuring amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) releasedinto the bathing medium 24 hr after neurotoxic insults as previouslydescribed (Koh and Choi, J Neurosci Methods 20:83-90, 1987). The percentneuronal death was normalized to the mean LDH value released 24 hr aftercontinuous exposure 500 μM NMDA (=100) or a sham control (=0).

To examine anti-oxidant effect, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylradical), a stable free radical, was dissolved in ethanol to make a 100μM solution. A compound was reacted with DPPH or ethanol. Afterincubation for 30 min, relative decrease in DPPH absorption at 517 nmwas measured by a spectrophotometer.

Experimental Example 11 Anti-Oxidant Action of 5-amino salicylic acid

The neuroprotective action of 5-amino salicylic acid (AS) was examinedin primary cortical cell cultures. Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10 min (1 a), continuously to 50μM Fe²⁺ (1 b), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30 min (1 c), alone or with inclusionof 10-300 μM 5-amino salicylic acid (AS). Neuronal death was analyzed 24hr later by measuring levels of LDH released into the bathing medium,mean±SEM (n=9-12 (1 a), n=4-8 (1 b) or n=4 (1 c) culture wells percondition), scaled to mean LDH efflux value 24 hr after sham wash (=0)and continuous exposure to 500 μM NMDA (=100). The result as shown inFIG. 1 indicates significant difference from relevant control at p<0.05using ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls' test. Inclusion of 10-300 μM ASdid not attenuate neuronal death evolving 24 hr after 10 min-exposure to300 μM NMDA (FIG. 1 a). Interestingly, addition of 10-100 μM ASdose-dependently prevented free radical neurotoxicity following 24hr-exposure to Fe²⁺ (FIG. 1 b). Neuronal death 24 hr after 30min-exposure to 300 μM Zn²⁺ was not reduced by continuous inclusion ofAS during and post Zn²⁺ treatment (FIG. 1 c). The neuroprotective actionof AS against free radical neurotoxicity was attributable to directanti-oxidant property of the compound as AS decreased levels of DPPH, astable free radical (Table 1). Compared to trolox, a membrane-permeableform of vitamin E, AS was a weak anti-oxidant.

TABLE 1 Anti-oxidant property of AS Concentrations of Trolox or AS (μM)Reactants 0 3 10 30 100 300 A_(517 nm) DPPH alone 1.2 ± 0.05 DPPH +Trolox 1.08 ± 0.1 0.89 ± 0.08* 0.39 ± 0.06* 0.05 ± 0.01* 0.03 ± 0.01*DPPH + AS — 1.03 ± 0.05   0.9 ± 0.06* 0.45 ± 0.07* 0.16 ± 0.00*

AS or trolox was reacted with 100 uM DPPH dissolved in ethanol for 30min. Anti-oxidant property was analyzed by measuring changes in thelevel of DPPH at 517 nm, mean±SEM (n=3 test tubes per condition), aftersubtracting background value resulting from ethanol alone. FIG. 1indicates significant difference from DPPH alone at P<0.05, using ANOVAand Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

AS can protect neurons from free radical injuries without beneficialeffects against NMDA or Zn²⁺ neurotoxicity. However, AS is weaker thantrolox in scavenging free radicals.

Experimental Example 2 Neuroprotective Effects of 5-benzylaminosalicylicacid and its Derivatives

1. Neuroprotective Effects of 5-benzylaminosalicylic acid

BAS was synthesized and examined against neuronal injuries induced incortical cell cultures. Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) wereexposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10 min (2 a), continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (2b) or 10 mM BSO (2 c), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30 min (2 d), alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of 5-benzylamino salicylate (BAS). Neuronaldeath was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDH released intothe medium, mean±SEM (n=7-8 (2 a), n=3-6 (2 b), n=4 (2 c), or n=4 (2 d)culture wells per condition). FIG. 2. indicates significant differencefrom relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keulstest. Concurrent addition of 300 μM 5-benzylaminosalicylic acid (BAS)reduced NMDA-induced neuronal death approximately by 50% (FIG. 2 a).Neuronal death following exposure to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (FIG. 2 b) or 10 mM BSO(FIG. 2 c) was substantially reduced in the presence of 1 μM BAS andnear completely blocked by addition of 3 μM BAS. Administration of30-300 μM BAS dose-dependently reduced neuronal death 24 hr followingexposure to 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30 min (FIG. 2 d). Like AS or trolox, BASacted as a direct anti-oxidant (Table 2). The anti-oxidant property ofBAS was observed at a dose as low as 1 μM.

TABLE 2 Anti-oxidant property of BAS [BAS], μM 0 1 3 10 30 100 300A_(517 nm) 1.2 ± 0.05 1.07 ± 0.07 1.01 ± 0.07 0.71 ± 0.09* 0.21 ± 0.04*0.15 ± 0.02* 0.16 ± 0.01*

BAS was reacted with 100 uM DPPH dissolved in ethanol for 30 min.Anti-oxidant property was analyzed by measuring changes in DPPH at 517nm, mean±SEM (n=3 test tubes per condition), after subtractingbackground value resulting from ethanol alone. FIG. 1 indicatessignificant difference from DPPH alone ([BAS]=0) at P<0.05, using ANOVAand Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

2. BAS Derivatives

BAS derivatives were synthesized by substituting —H at para position ofbenzylamino group with —NO₂ [5-(4-nitrobenzylamino)salicylic acid,NBAS], —Cl [5-(4-chlorobenzylamino)salicylic acid, CBAS], —CF₃[5-(4-trifluoromethylbenzylamino)salicylic acid, TBAS]. Mouse corticalcell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10 min (3 a),continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (3 b), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30 min (3 c), aloneor with inclusion of indicated doses of 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminosalicylicacid (NBAS). Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levelsof LDH released into the medium, mean±SEM (n=7-8 (3 a), n=3-6 (3 b), orn=4 (3 c) culture wells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 3indicates significant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 usingANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (4 a), continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (4 b), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30min (4 c), alone or with inclusion of indicated doses of5-(4-chlorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (CBAS). Neuronal death wasanalyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDH released into themedium, mean±SEM (n=3-4 (4 a), n=3-12 (4 b), or n=4 (4 c) culture wellsper condition). The result as shown in FIG. 4 indicates significantdifference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (5 a), continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (5 b), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30min (5 c), alone or with inclusion of indicated doses of5-(4-Trifluoromethylbenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (TBAS). Neuronal deathwas analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDH released into themedium, mean±SEM (n=3-4 (5 a), n=3-11 (5 b), or n=4 (5 c) culture wellsper condition). The result as shown in FIG. 5 indicates significantdifference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (6 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (6 b) alone or with inclusionof indicated doses of 5-(4-Fluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (FBAS).Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDHreleased into the medium, mean±SEM (n=7-8 (6 a) or n=4-8 (6 b) culturewells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 6 indicatessignificant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (7 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (7 b) alone or with inclusionof indicated doses of 5-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (MBAS).Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDHreleased into the medium, mean±SEM (n=7-8 (7 a) or n=4-8 (7 b) culturewells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 7 indicatessignificant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

This substitution with electron-withdrawing group did not reduceneuroprotective effects of BAS against NMDA, Zn²⁺, or free radicalneurotoxicity (FIGS. 3-5). These BAS derivatives were more potent thanBAS in preventing free radical neurotoxicity.

TABLE 3 Anti-oxidant property of NBAS [NBAS], μ 0 10 30 100 300A_(517 nm) 1.2 ± 0.01 0.37 ± 0.1* 0.04 ± 0.01* 0.04 ± 0.00* 0.04 ± 0.00*

NBAS was reacted with 100 uM DPPH dissolved in ethanol for 30 min.Anti-oxidant property was analyzed by measuring changes in DPPH at 517nm, mean±SEM (n=3 test tubes per condition), after subtractingbackground value resulting from ethanol alone. Table 3 indicatessignificant difference from DPPH alone ([reactant]=O) at P<0.05, usingANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

Substituting —NO₂ with —F or —OCH₃ resulted in decreased neuroprotectionagainst NMDA toxicity but appeared to increase neuroprotective potentialagainst free radical injury (FIGS. 6 and 7).

Experimental Example 3 Neuroprotective Effects of5-(Pentafluorobenzyl)amino salicylic acid

5-(pentafluorobenzyl)amino salicylic acid (PBAS) was synthesized andtested against neuronal injuries. Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10 min (8 a), continuously to 50μM Fe²⁺ (8 b) or 10 mM BSO (8 c), or 300 μM Zn²⁺ for 30 min (8 d), aloneor with inclusion of indicated doses of 5-(pentafluorobenzyl)aminosalicylic acid (PBAS). Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later bymeasuring levels of LDH released into the medium, mean±SEM (n=11-16 (8a), n=3-6 (8 b), n=4-11 (8 c), or n=12 (8 d) culture wells percondition). The result as shown in FIG. 8 indicates significantdifference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test. Concurrent addition of 100-1000 μM PBASreduced NMDA-induced neuronal death in a dose-dependent manner.Treatment with 300 μM PBAS reduced NMDA neurotoxicity approximately by65% (FIG. 8 a). Increasing doses of PBAS up to 1 mM completely blockedneuronal death following exposure to 300 μM NMDA. Inclusion of 1 μM PBASsignificantly reduced neuronal death following continuous exposure to 50μM Fe²⁺. Fe²⁺-induced neuronal death was near completely blocked in thepresence of 3 μM PBAS. Free radical neurotoxicity resulting fromexposure to 10 mM BSO was blocked by addition of 1 μM PBAS. PBAS reducedlevels of DPPH (table 4), suggesting that PBAS blocked free radicalneurotoxicity as a direct antioxidant. Concurrent addition of 100-300 μMPBAS attenuated Zn²⁺ neurotoxicity (FIG. 8 d).

TABLE 4 Anti-oxidant property of PBAS [PBAS], μM 0 1 3 10 30 100 300A_(517 nm) 1.2 ± 0.01 1.07 ± 0.07 1.01 ± 0.07 0.71 ± 0.09* 0.21 ± 0.04*0.15 ± 0.02* 0.16 ± 0.01*

PBAS was reacted with 100 uM DPPH dissolved in ethanol for 30 min.Anti-oxidant property was analyzed by measuring changes in DPPH at 517nm, mean±SEM (n=3 test tubes per condition), after subtractingbackground value resulting from ethanol alone. Table 4 indicatessignificant difference from DPPH alone ([PBAS]=0) at P<0.05, using ANOVAand Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

Experimental Example 4 Neuroprotective Effects of NBAS Derivatives(X═CH₂)

Several derivatives of PBAS such as 5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxyethylbenzoate (NAHE; R₁═H, R₂═CH₂CH₃, R₃═H),5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NNAHE;R₁═COCH₃, R₂═CH₂CH₃, R₃═H), and5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate (NNAAE;R₁═COCH₃, R₂═CH₂CH₃, R₃═COCH₃) were synthesized and theirneuroprotection action was examined in cortical cell cultures. Mousecortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10min (9 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (9 b), alone or with inclusionof indicated doses of ethyl-5-(4-nitrobenzyl)amino-2-hydroxyethylbenzoate (NAHE). Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later bymeasuring levels of LDH released into the medium, mean±SEM (n=10-12 (9a) or n=3-4 (9 b) culture wells per condition). The result as shown inFIG. 9 indicates significant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05using ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (10 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (10 b) alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-hydroxy ethylbenzoate (NNAHE).Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDHreleased into the medium, mean±SEM (n=3-4 (10 a) or n=3-4 (10 b) culturewells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 10 indicatessignificant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (11 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (11 b), alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of5-(4-nitrobenzyl)-N-acetylamino-2-acetoxy ethylbenzoate (NNAAE).Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDHreleased into the medium, mean±SEM (n=10-12 (11 a), n=7-8 (11 b), or n=4(11 c) culture wells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 11indicates significant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 usingANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test. These derivatives attenuated NMDAneurotoxicity at 300 μM (FIGS. 9-11). Inclusion of 10 μM NAHE, NNAHE, orNNAAE blocked Fe²⁺-induced free radical neurotoxicity.

Experimental Example 5 Neuroprotective Effects of NBAS Derivatives

(X═CO, SO₂, CH₂CH₂ or CH₂CH₂CH₂)

The group of X (CH₂) of NBAS was substituted with CO[5-(4-nitrobenzoyl)aminosalicylic acid; NBAA], SO₂[5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylic acid; NBSAA], CH₂CH₂[5-(4-nitrophenethyl)aminosalicylic acid; NPAA], or CH₂CH₂CH₂[5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid; NPPAA]. Mousecortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for 10min (12 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (12 b), alone or with inclusionof indicated doses of 5-(4-nitrobenzonyl)aminosalicylic acid (NBAA).Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDHreleased into the medium, mean±SEM (n=7-8 (12 a) or n=3-4 (12 b) culturewells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 12 indicatessignificant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (13 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (13 b) alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of 5-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)aminosalicylicacid (NBSAA). Neuronal death was analyzed 24 hr later by measuringlevels of LDH released into the medium, mean±SEM (n=3-4 (13 a) or n=2-8(13 b) culture wells per condition). The result as shown in FIG. 13indicates significant difference from relevant control, at p<0.05 usingANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (14 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (14 b), alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of5-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-ethyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPAA). Neuronal deathwas analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDH released into themedium, mean±SEM (n=4 (14 a) or n=4-8 (14 b) culture wells percondition). The result as shown in FIG. 14 indicates significantdifference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test.

Mouse cortical cell cultures (DIV 12-14) were exposed to 300 μM NMDA for10 min (15 a) or continuously to 50 μM Fe²⁺ (15 b), alone or withinclusion of indicated doses of5-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)-n-propyl]aminosalicylic acid (NPPAA). Neuronaldeath was analyzed 24 hr later by measuring levels of LDH released intothe medium, mean±SEM (n=4 (15 a) or n=3-8 (15 b) culture wells percondition). The result as shown in FIG. 15 indicates significantdifference from relevant control, at p<0.05 using ANOVA andStudent-Neuman-Keuls test. NBAA at a dose of 30 μM significantlyattenuated NMDA neurotoxicity. However, its protective effect againstNMDA was not further increased up to doses of 300 μM (FIG. 12 a).Interestingly, inclusion of 30-300 μM NBSAA attenuated NMDAneurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (FIG. 13 a). With inclusion of300 μM NBSAA, 90-100% neuronal death following exposure to 300 μM NMDAwas markedly reduced. NBAA and NBSAA were still neuroprotective againstFe²⁺ injury but weaker than NBAS in reducing free radical neurotoxicity(FIGS. 12 and 13; Table 5).

Substitution of CH₂ for X with CH₂CH₂ or CH₂CH₂CH₂ reduced protectivepotency of NBAS against NMDA neurotoxicity. Administration of 300 μMNPAA or NPPAA slightly reduced NMDA-induced neuronal death in corticalneurons (FIGS. 14 and 15). In contrast, NPAA or NPPAA turned out to bemore effective than NBAS in blocking free radical neurotoxicity as shownby complete blockade of Fe²⁺-induced neuronal death in the presence of 1μM NPAA or NPPAA.

TABLE 5 Anti-oxidant property of NBAS derivatives Reactants DPPH aloneDPPH + NBAA DPPH + NBSAA DPPH + NPAA DPPH + NPPAA A_(517 nm) 1.2 ± 0.010.42 ± 0.22* 0.15 ± 0.05* 0.09 ± 0.01* 0.09 ± 0.02*

NBAS derivatives (100 μM for each) were reacted with 100 μM DPPHdissolved in ethanol for 30 min. Anti-oxidant property was analyzed bymeasuring changes in DPPH at 517 nm, mean±SEM (n=3 test tubes percondition), after subtracting background value resulting from ethanolalone. Table 5 indicates significant difference from DPPH alone atP<0.05, using ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test.

The above results show that the compounds of Formula (I) may be employedefficiently to prevent neurodegenerative diseases in association withexcitotoxicity, Zn²⁺ neurotoxicity and free radical neurotoxicity.

Administration of compounds within Formula (I) to humans can be by anytechnique capable of introducing the compounds into the bloodstream of ahuman patient or mammals, including oral administration, and byintravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections The mammalsinclude, but not limited to, cats, dogs, poultry, cattle and the like.

Compounds indicated for prophylactic therapy will preferably beadministered in a daily dose generally in a range from about 0.1 mg toabout 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. A more preferred dosagewill be a range from about 0.2 mg to about 10 mg per kilogram of bodyweight. Most preferred is a dosage in a range from about 0.5 to about 5mg per kilogram of body weight per day. A suitable dose can beadministered, in multiple sub-doses per day. These sub-doses may beadministered in unit dosage forms. Typically, a dose or sub-dose maycontain from about 1 mg to about 100 mg of active compound per unitdosage form. A more preferred dosage will contain from about 2 mg toabout 50 mg of active compound per unit dosage form. Most preferred is adosage form containing from about 3 mg to about 25 mg of active compoundper unit dose.

The active compound is usually administered in apharmaceutically-acceptable formulation. Such formulations may comprisethe active compound together with one or morepharmaceutically-acceptable carriers or diluents. Other therapeuticagents may also be present in the formulation. Apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or diluent provides an appropriatevehicle for delivery of the active compound without introducingundesirable side effects. Delivery of the active compound in suchformulations may be performed by various routes including oral, nasal,topical, buccal and sublingual, or by parenteral administration such assubcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal routes.

Formulations for oral administration may be in the form of capsulescontaining the active compound dispersed in a binder such as gelatin orhydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, together with one or more of a lubricant,preservative, surface-active or dispersing agent. Such capsules ortablets may contain controlled-release formulation as may be provided ina disposition of active compound in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose.

Formulations for parenteral administration may be in the form of aqueousor non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions or suspensions.These solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders orgranules having one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned foruse in the formulations for oral administration.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, the details of these embodiments are not to be construed aslimitations. Various equivalents, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, and it isunderstood that such equivalent embodiments are part of this invention.

1. A method for reducing neuronal death in nervous system injuriesresulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis comprising administering toa patient or a mammal a therapeutically appropriate amount of one ormore compounds represented by the following formula (I) orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

wherein, X is CO, SO₂ or (CH₂)n, wherein n is an integer of 1 to 5; R₁is hydrogen, alkyl or alkanoyl; R₂ is hydrogen or alkyl; R₃ is hydrogenor an acetoxy group; and R₄ is phenyl group which is unsubstituted orsubstituted with one or more of the group consisting of nitro, halogen,haloalkyl, and C₁-C₅ alkoxy.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinX of one or more of the compounds is (CH₂)n.
 3. The method according toclaim 2, wherein n of (CH₂)n is 1 or
 2. 4. The method according to claim3, wherein for one or more of the compounds, R₂ is hydrogen, R₃ ishydrogen and R₄ is phenyl group which is substituted with one or more ofthe group consisting of halogen and haloalkyl.
 5. The method accordingto claim 4, wherein haloalkyl is halo (C₁-C₃)alkyl.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 4, wherein R₁ of one or more of the compounds ishydrogen.
 7. The method according to claim 4, wherein R₁ of one or moreof the compounds is alkanoyl.